Back to School Helpers for Homeschoolers too

It is that time of year again. The kids will be going back to school or if you are a homeschooler, school will be beginning soon. I compiled some helpers to make the process easier. Feel free to comment and leave your own tips, links, or ideas!

School Supplies Tips and What you will Need:

Most schools give a list. However, why wait? It is always best to be one step ahead, so you are not hectic later! Oh, and supplies for home school are pretty much the same as a public or private school.

School Supply Shopping Tips:

buy in bulk whenever you can

take advantage of tax free school supplies day in your area and stock up

borrow as much as you can from the library to lower expenses

join homeschooling share groups in your area and online

Shop at the dollar store. Most of them have a small selection of teacher supplies including maps, awards, stickers, handwriting practice pads etc. You will also most like find paper, pencils and many student supplies.

Order as a group if you have a homeschooling support group, pool together to get the bulk discounts on workbooks and other needed items

Basic School Supplies Needed for those who GO to school:

glue sticks

notebook paper

composition books

triple lined handwriting practice paper for kindergarten

pencils

pens (for older children)

highlighters

graph paper

pencil sharpener

scissors

craft supplies

folders

book covers

back pack

lunch box

padlock

Basic School Supplies for Homeschoolers:

Some of the items above as you see fit

stapler

science sets

map/globe

calendars

paper clips

paint and art supplies

flash cards

school books ( there are MANY options, you can do a Google search. Amazon and eBay will have some used options. I personally use the abeka dvd program for my teenager.)

Readers

calculator for older kids

dry erase board and markers. (I find this MUCH easier than a chalk board. However, feel free to use a chalk board if it works better for you.)

if a particular subject is tough you can always bring in a tutor to help (there are also great dvd type programs like from abeka. A much more affordable option than tutoring in many cases.)

research the different curriculum choices to find the one that is best for you and your child. This will be trial and error in many cases. Do not get discouraged. I have been homeschooling for over ten years and I spent the first three trying to find what best fit my daughter and me.

decide your schedule for the year. Plan field trips, days off, and allow for sick days.

set aside a school area where school will be done each day. Keep it in order and quiet during school hours.

have supplies on hand before you begin school for the day

utilize the Internet, there are many resources for activities, curriculum help, support groups, printable sheets, etc

go to the library often. It is a FREE resource tool that you should take advantage of. Plus you get the kids out of the house. Many have sections for little ones too.

Teacher’s Place shops are open to the public, go in and pick out some supplies

science and puzzle shops provide great experiment kits

ask your local public school for any extras or leftovers they may have at the end of the school year (you’d be surprised how many things get thrown away that you can use)

homeschooling support groups often have programs to “share” more expensive supplies and displays

sign up on homeschool websites to product test the latest home school programs and tools

Helpful links for homeschoolers and educational sites:

Quick tip: Look up homeschool alliance with your city/state/province name in the search and you will find the homeschool alliance closest to you. They have a TON of info for you and are helpful with laws and such. I love the Florida one: fpea.com

kidshealth.org

education-world.com/back_to_school/index.shtml

preschoolprintables.com (they send it right to your email box!)

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primary_education

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_school

ed.gov/pubs/Prepare

eho.org

homeschool.com

thehomeschoolmom.com

hslda.org

homeacademy.com

homeschoolingbooks.com

homeschool.com

tutor.com

kidsites.com

Well, I hope this information was helpful. Remember, this time of year does not have to be stressful! Have a wonderful school year!!